STM enters strategic cooperation on unmanned systems in Qatar

January 20, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Türkiye defense company STM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar-based Barzan Holdings to collaborate on the joint production and development of advanced unmanned aerial systems and unmanned naval platforms.

The agreement was signed at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), held in Qatar.

The parties aim to establish the local production and integration of STM’s tactical UAV systems in Qatar, while also advancing their future capabilities.

Specifically, the cooperation will explore joint production and co-development, mainly for unmanned aerial systems. Opportunities for unmanned naval platforms will also be considered.

STM will provide engineering, systems development, and technology integration support as a development partner to Barzan Holdings. This partnership will help advance Qatar’s defense technology ecosystem.

“The strong strategic relations between Türkiye and Qatar continue to be reinforced through concrete projects in the defence industry. This goodwill agreement signed with Barzan Holdings aims to enable the local production, integration, and advanced capability development of our tactical UAV systems—preferred by more than 15 countries across four continents—as well as our other autonomous capabilities in Qatar,” Ozgur Guleryuz, General Manager of STM, said.

Last year, STM signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in Malaysia covering naval projects and tactical mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.